South Park Studies: Public Art

At the beginning of the year we began a new initiative — South Park Studies. Part communications and part events series, South Park Studies is designed to bring neighbors together and spark conversation about the issues that matter to Downtowns.

For our third series, we’re looking into the role of public art: how cities use art programs to advance other work, controversies surrounding public art, and more. The following articles have broadened our understanding of the past and future of public art, its varied impacts on a community, and the challenges of implementing a successful public art program. Take a look, and RSVP to join us on September 14th!

1. How cities are taking a more strategic view of public art, Bloomberg
   Prior to choosing the winners of the second Bloomberg Philanthropies Public Art Challenge, Kate D. Levin, who oversees the philanthropy’s arts program weighed in on the changing role of public art in cities, and the strategic ways cities across the US are deploying public art programming.
2. The Case for Keeping San Francisco’s Disputed George Washington Murals, The New York Times
   Victor Arnautoff’s 1934 murals, “The Life of George Washington” are important examples of Works Progress Administration Art to some, and a glorification of slavery and colonization to others. After decades of debate over the murals and the ugly history they depict, the San Francisco Board of Education has voted unanimously to whitewash all 13.
3. The Future is Female for San Francisco’s Public Art Scene, Smithsonian Magazine
   Of approximately 5,200 public statues in the U.S. that depict historical figures, it’s estimated that only about 400 are of women. In San Francisco, the City Council is taking big steps to increase the representation of women with an ordinance requiring at least 30% of new public art to depict real-life women.
4. Art installations bring light and beauty where urban areas need it most, The Washington Post
   A growing number of cities are using lighted art installations to meet traditional goals about cleanliness and safety. In Washington D.C., two installations provide a model for how beautification projects can make public places safer.
5. Review — The Fourth Plinth: Contemporary Monument, New Statesman America
   Since 1998 the Fourth Plinth Program has filled an empty plinth in London’s Trafalger Square with temporary contemporary art. Public participation has played a key role in what has become one of the most loved art programs in London.
6. A Porch Light in Kensington, The Philadelphia Citizen
   In Philadelphia, the Porch Light program has used public art to create neighborhood change for the last twelve years. Porch Light’s newest initiative creates public art programming for people seeking treatment for addiction or mental health issues — with quantifiable results for the surrounding neighborhoods.

Questions about the topic, or the BID’s role? Reach out to wallis@southpark.la